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GEOGRAPHY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE. 

Position. 

Massachusetts is situated in the southern half of New Eng- 
land, havino; Yerniont and New Hampshire on the noi-th, the 
Atlantic on the east and south-east, Rhode Island and Con- 
necticut on the sontii, and New York on the west. 

It lies mainly between the itarallels of 42° and 43° north 
latitude, and the meridians of 70° 30' and 73° 30' west longi- 
tude. The extreme limits, however, lie more than one-half a 
degree farther to the east and the south. 

Form and Extent. 

The main body of the State forms a parallelogram, about 
140 miles hmg and nearly fifty miles wide. 

Beyond the limits of this figure there is a small projection 
toward the north-east, including the lower course of the Merri- 
mac Kiver, and a larger district extending towai'd the south- 
east. The latter terminates Math the long, narrow peninsula 
of Cape Cod, and the islands of Nantucket and Martha's 
Vineyard. 

The entire area of the State is 7,800 square miles, or about 
5,000,000 acres. 

Surface. 

The surface of Massachusetts presents no extreme features, 
but varies from low, sandy plains in the south-east, to rugged 
mountains near the western bordsr. 

The State consists of four different natural divisions, namely: 
the Atlantic Plain, the Middle Highlands, the Connecticut 
Valley, and the Western Highlands. 

The Atlan'iic Plain extends from the seaboard westward 
about forty miles. Its western limit may be indicated by an 
irregular north and south line, crossing the State a little east of 
AYachusett Mountain. 

Though the most level part of the State, this region is gener- 
ally uneven, the elevation increasing gradually westward. The 
peninsula of Cape Cod, and the adjacent parts of the mainland, 
are flat and sandy. 

Cape Ann peninsula, and the smaller peninsulas of Marble- 
head and Xaliant, are rugged granite formations. 



The Middle Highlands occupy a belt of alwnt forty miles, 
between the Atlantic Plain and the Connecticut Valley. 

This legion has a greater general elevation than the preceding, 
and the eastern part forms the water-shed between the Atlantic 
and the Connecticut. 

Though the siu-face is generally hilly, there ai-e but few pro- 
minent elevations. Mount AVachnsett, near the eastern bordei-, 
is the highest, being 2,000 feet above the sea level. The more 
prominent of the lesser elevations are Tnft's Hill and Hawes 
Hill, in the central part, and Mount Linct>ln, near the westei'n 
border. 

The Connecticut Valley crosses the State between the 
Middle and AVestern Highlands. It varies in breadth from five 
to twenty-five miles. 

This region is an alluvial plain, lying on l>oth sides of the 
river, interrupted by occasional ridges of tiap-rock. The most 
noted of these are Mount Holyc>ke, on the eastern side of tlie 
stream, 900 feet high; and Mount Tom, on tlie western, 1,200 
feet in height. 

Viewed from Mount Ilolyoke, this valley pi'esents tiie most 
picturesque landscape in the State. 

The AYestern Highlands include that part of the State 
west of the Connecticut Valley, and, like the eastern, is about 
forty miles in breadth. 

The eastern portion resembles the Middle Highlands, but 
presents greater irregiilai'ities of surface, more abrupt hills, 
and deeper valleys. 

The western portion is mountainous, being crossed from 
north to south by two parallel I'anges of the Green Mountain 
System ; the Hoosac on the east, the Taconic on the west. 

The Hoosac range, lying from twenty to thirty miles from 
the river, is only about half the height of the Taconic. The 
latter contains the highest peaks in the State, namely: Saddle 
Mountain, 3,500 feet high, and Bald Mountain, 2,Go6 feet. 

The valley between these ranges, drained by the Ilousatonic 
and Hoosac Ilivei-s, is partly alluvial, and in many respects 
similar in character to the Comiecticut A^alley. 

Islands are numerous along the coast, and resemble the ad- 
jacent mainland in charactei'. The only ones of considei'able 



GEOGRAPHY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



Ill 



size arc Xantueket and Martha's Vineyard. Tlie former is 
fifteen miles long and eleven broad in the widest part ; the 
latter tweutj'-one miles lung and from two to ten miles wide. 

Phim Island, off the east coast, north of Cape Ann, is nine miles 
long and one mile wide. The most noted of the smaller islands 
are the group in Massachusetts Bay, near Boston, and the 
Elizabeth Islands, inclosing Buzzard's Bay on the south-east. 

Inland Waters. 

Every part of the State is bountifully watered, but in general 
the streams are more available for agricultural and manufac- 
turing purposes than as channels of connnunication. The 
largest rivers are the Ct)nuecticut and the Merrimac. 

The Connecticut flows southward, through the Connecticut 
Valley. In this State it is scarcely used for navigation, but 
affords immense water-power at South Iladley Falls and at 
Turner's Falls. Its principal tributaries from the Middle High- 
lands are Miller's River, and the Chicopee, formed by the con- 
tinence of the Ware and the Swift. From the Western High- 
lands it receives the Deertield and the Westfield. 

The Merrimac enters the State from New Ilampishire, and 
flows through the north-east part into the Atlantic. It is navi- 
gal)le for small craft to Haverhill, twenty miles from its mouth; 
but is chiefly valuable as a source of water-power, and is more 
fully utilized for manufacturing purposes than any other i-iver 
of equal extent. Its most important tributaries are the Xashua 
and the Concord. 

The remaining streams are small. In the Atlantic Plain the 
principal are the Charles and the Keponset, entering Massa- 
chusetts Baj', and the Taunton and Blackstone, flowing into 
Narragansett Bay. 

The Quinnebaug, from the Middle Highlands, flows south- 
ward into the Thames. The Ilousatonic, flowing southward to 
the Naugatuck, and the Hoosac, flowing northward and west- 
ward to the Hudson, drain the mountainous portion of the 
Western Highlands 

Minerals. 

The mineral wealth of Massachns'~ tf consists chiefly of 
building-stone, especially granite. '' most abundant in 

the eastern part of the State, at Quiii ;kport, Westford, 

and Fitchburg. 

White marble and soapstone occur in the Western Highlands, 
and sandstone aliounds in the Connecticut Valley. 

Among the metals, silver and lead are found near Ncwbury- 
port, and small cpiantities of copper and iron in different parts 
of the State. 

Climate. 

The climate is temperate and highly salubrious. The sum- 
mer, with an average temperature of 70°, is delightful, and of 
suflicient length for the maturing of the different grains and 
fruits of temperate latitudes. 

The cold season is prolonged in the interior by the elevation, 



and on the coast by the prevalence, during spring and autumn, 
of chilling easterly winds from the Atlantic. Sudden changes 
of temperature are conmion during all seasons. 

The rain-fall is abundant, tnoisture being brought by both 
easterly and southerly winds. Westei'ly and north-westerly 



winds bring fair weathei 



Soil and Forests. 

In a large part of the State the soil does not naturally pos- 
sess great fertility, but by skillful cultivation bountiful harvests 
are oljtained. 

The low, alluvial lands of the Connecticut Valley are exceed- 
ingly fertile, while the sandy tracts which occupy some poi'- 
tions of its area are only moderately productive. 

The Ilousatonic Valley is like the Connecticut, but the Hoosac 
is almost wholly composed of rich alluvium. 

The vast sandy plains in the south-eastern portion of the 
State and on the islands are quite barren. 

The original forests, e.xcept in the mountainous and inacces- 
sible regions, have long since been cut off ; but in districts too 
rugged for profitable cultivation large tracts of growing timber 
have reappeared. 

Population and Wealth. 

Massachusetts has a population of 1,650,000. It is more 
densely populated than any other State in the Union, having an 
average of more than two hundred persons to each square mile 
of its territory. 

The inhabitants are mostly native born and of English de- 
scent, but the cities and manufacturing villages contain a con- 
siderable number of foreigners, chiefly Irish, English, Scotch, 
and Gemnan. 

Massachusetts is not only one of the oldest and most enter- 
prising States, but also one of the wealthiest, its total valuation 
being seventeen hundred millions of dollars. 

Oeeupations and Prodnetions. 

In propoi'tion to area and population, Massachusetts is the 
first State of the Union in Manufacturing and Commkece. In 
the actual amount of manufacturing, this State is surpassed 
only by New York and Pennsylvania, and in commerce by 
New York alone. 

S II IP-Building is an important industiy, Massachusetts being 
second only to Maine in this pursuit. 

The FisuERiES — cod, mackerel, herring, and whale — furnish 
occupation to great numbers of jjeople in the seaboard districts. 

Ageicdltuee is conducted with great skill, and, considering 
the nature of the soil in general, yields large retui'iis; still, the 
agricultural produce of the State does not nearly suffice for the 
wants of its dense population. Hence a large trade in grain 
and other farm pi-oduce is carried on with the Central States. 

The leading crops are the different grains, pcjtatoes, and 
tobacco. Considerable attention is given to dairying, and the 
rearing of improved breeds of cattle, horses, and sheep. 



112 



GEOGRAniY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



The Mancfactcres most largely produced ai-e cotton and 
woolen goods, boots and shoes and other goods from leather ; 
and a great variety of articles from wood and iron, among 
which are furniture, agricultural implements, machinery, car- 
riages, cars, and locomotives. 

The Xati'ral Faciuties for coastwise and foreign commerce 
are great, as the coast abounds in safe and spacious harbors. 
The harbor at Boston is one of the best in the world. 

Tiie' absence of navigable inland waters, and the migged 
character of the surface, form natural obstacles to trade with 
the interior; but enterprise and capital have effectually over- 
come these, and lines of traffic have been established, not only 
with tlie adjacent States and the British Provinces, but with 
the most i-emote parts of the Union. 

There are not less than twenty-five hundred miles of rail- 
road within the State, all the main lines centering in Boston. 
Steam-ship lines also con- 
nect Boston with Europe 
and with the principal 
domestic ports. 

The Exports of the 
State are the products of 
the manufactories, quar- 
ries, and fisheries. 

The Imports are princi- 
pally food supplies and 
raw materials for manu- 
facturing, European man- 
ufactures, wines and li- 
quors, sugar, tea, coffee, 
spices, and foreign fruits. 

Educational Iniiiti- 

tlltiOIl!!). 

Popular education has 
always received marked 

attention in Massachusetts. 



seminaries, two law schools, six medical scho(jls, five State 
normal schools, and one normal art school. 

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Peabody 
Academy of Science, the Agassiz Museum of Comparative 
Zoology, and a Museum of Fine Arts, are located in this 
State. There are also some two hundred public librai-ies, con- 
taining about 700,000 volumes, and a numerous newspaper and 
periodical press. 



BeiieToleiit Institutions. 

The State abounds in benevoleiit and charitable institutions, 
among which may be named the ^lassachusetts Hospital and 
the Boston City Hospital ; four lunatic asylums, an asylum and 
school for the blind, one for the idiotic and feeble-minded. 



and one for the deaf and duml) 




a reform school for boys and 
an industrial school for 
girls. 



History. 

' Tlie ten-itory of Massa- 
chusetts was first settled 
at Plymouth by the Ply- 
mouth Colony, M- h i c h 
landed Dec. 22, 1620. 

In 1C2S a settlement 
was made at Salem, under 
the leadership of John 
Endicott. During the 
next two years numerous 
accessions were received, 
other settlements were 
made at Boston and adja- 
cent places, and the gov- 
cuD-FisiiiNG. ernment f)f the Massachu- 

setts Colony was organ- 
ized. These colonies remained separate, each electing its own 
governor, more than half a centui-y. 

In 168(3 — their charters having been revoked — Sir Edmund 
Andros was appointed governor of the two colonies. 

His arbitrary and tyrannical measni-es soon aroused deter- 
mined opposition. His government was overthrown, and the 
former colonial officers reinstated. 

In 1692 a new ciiarter was granted, uniting the two colonies 
under the name of Massaclmsetts, and providing for the ap- 
pointment of the governor by the crown. 

During its early history the tramjuillity of the province was 



The system of free schools was 
established in 1647, and, fostered by a wise and liberal policy, 
it has steadily developed, until it has attained its present high 
degree of perfection. The result is seen in the high reputation 
for general intelligence which the people of this State have 
always sustained. 

Liberal provision has also been made foi- higher education. 
The first American college was established in Massachusetts in 
1638, the first normal school in 1839, and the first normal art 
school in 1873. 

Tiicre are within the State, besides a large number of snpe- 
i-ior higii schools and academies, ten colleges and universities, disturbed by frequent Indian hostilities, and also by a conflict 
These are, Harvard and Boston LTniversities; Amherst; Wil of the prevailing political and religious opinions, in which indi- 
liams; Tufts; Boston; Collegcof the Holy Cross ; Agricultural; vidiials were occasionally exposed to pei'secutiim fiom the civil 
Smith College, for women ; and Wellcsley Female College. power. 

Among the provisions for special education may be named j Massachusetts was foremost in active opposition to British 
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, the Free tyranny and unjust taxation. Here, too, the first Ijlood of the 
School of Industrial Science at ^Yorcester, seven theological revolution was shed at Lexington and Concord, and the fii'st 



GEOGRAPHY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



113 



a;reat battle fuiight at Bunker Ilill. Aiiiuui;- the great names 
ineinoral)le in the revolutionary struggle, those of the Massa- 
chusetts leaders are conspicuous. 

Political Organization. 

The government of the State is republican, consisting of 
three departments: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. 

The officers of the Executive Department are, a governor, a 
lieutenant-governor, and an executive council of eight mem- 
bers ; a secretary, a treasurer, an auditor, and an attorney- 
general. 

The Legislative authority is vested .in the Genei'al Court, 
consisting of a Senate of forty members, and a House of Rep- 
resentatixes of 240. 

The Judicial Department comprises a Supreme Judicial 
Court, a Superior Court, and various lower courts. 

The executive and legislative officers of the State, and the 
various county and town ofKcei-s, are elected annually by vote 
of the people. The judiciary are appointed by the governor 
and council for life, or during good behavior. 

AYomen are not ^•oters, but may legally be elected upon 
school committees, and appointed on boards of trustees for cer- 
tain public institutions. 

Description of Counties and Cities. 

Counties and their Population. 

Berkshire 68,270 ; Suffolk 364,886 

Franklin 33,696 Norfolk 88,331 

Hampshire 44,821 j Bristol 131,087 

Hampden 94,304' Plymouth 69,303 

Worcester 310,295 ; Barnstable 33,144 

Middlesex 284,113 Dukes 4,071 

Essex 233,343 ; Nantucket 3,201 



Cities. 



Boston 350,000 [ Somerville 22,000 

Lowell 50,000 ' Chelsea 21,000 



Worcester 50,000 

Cambridge 48,000 

Fall River 45,000 

Jiawrence 35,000 

Lynn 33.000 

Springfield 31,000 

New Bedford 36,000 

Salem 26,000 



Taunton 20 000 

Gloucester. 17,000 

Holyoke 16,000 

Newton 16,000 

Haverhill 15,000 

Newburyport 13,000 

Fitchburg 13,000 

Pittsfield (town) 13.000 



SuRblk. 

This county, the most populous and wealthy in the State, is 
also the smallest, comprising only the cities of Boston and 
Chelsea, and the towns of Revere and Winthrop. 

Boston is not only the first city of New England, but is the 
second of the Union in commercial importance, in which it is 
surpassed by New York alone. It is a great railroad centre, 
being the terminus of all the principal lines in New England; 
and has a magniticent harbor, the advantages of which are 



shai-cd by u lai'ge population l)eyond the city limits. A circle 
drawn with a i-adius of fifteen miles from the harbor, including 
the cities and towns whose business ceiiti-es here, would encom- 
pass a population of not less than half a million. 

Shipping and foreign trade are the chai-acteristic branches 
of business, but the domestic trade is large and \aried, and the 
manufactures considerable. A United States navy yard is 
located here. 

A large part of the business portion of Boston was destroyed 
by fire on the 9th of November, 1872, but it has since been 
rebuilt in a greatly improved style. The public buildings, and 
many of the warehouses and private dwellings, are substantial 
and elegant. 

The Common and Public Garden, though not extensive, are 
beautiful pleasure grounds, and, situated in the very heart of 
the city, form one of its most attractive features. It has, also, 
numerous historical landmarks, among which are Faneuil Hall, 
the Old State House, the Old South Church, Bunker Hill, and 
Dorchester Heights. 

Boston has always been noted for its superior educational 
facilities and numerous benevolent institutions, and for the 
high culture, patriotism, and enterprising character of its people. 

Chelsea is closely identified with Boston in business interests. 

Essex. 

This county occupies the extreme north eastern portion of 
the State. It is distinguished by the rugged character of its 
coast, which is indented by numerous small bays, forming ex- 
cellent harbors. The larger part of the lower course of the 
Merrimac, with superior water-power, lies within this county. 

The chief mineral resources are the granite quarries of 
liockport, and the silver and lead mines of Newbury. 

The sea-board towns, excepting Lynn, are engaged chiefly in 
commerce and the fisheries ; the interior towns, in agriculture 
and tlie manufacture of cotton goods and boots and shoes. 

Lawrence is the largest city in the count\', and the principal 
centre of cotton manufacture. It has grown up entirely within 
thirty years. 

Lynn and Haverhill are the great centres of the boot and 
shoe manufacture. 

Salem formerly had a large trade with the East Indies, from 
which it derived great wealth. At present it has little im- 
portance as a commercial port. 

Gloucester is more extensively engaged in the cod and 
niackei-el fisheries than any other port in the Union. These 
fisheries, with the trade derived from them, employ most of 
the labor and capital of the city. 

Newbueyport is an old ship-building port, which formerly 
had a considerable commerce, and is now the centre of a lai'ge 
local trade. 

Andover is the seat of Andover Theological Seminary, and 
of Phillips Academy. 

Wenham exports large quantities of ice. 



114 



GEOGRAPHY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



Aliddlesex and ]\ or folk. 

These counties occupy the best portion of the Atlantic plain, 
stretching across the State from New Hampshire to Rhode 
Island, and share with Suffolk the advantages of Boston harbor. 

Agriculture and manufacturing are the characteristic pnir- 
suits. In Norfolk much attention is given to raising vegetables 
for the city markets. The granite quarries in Quincy also em- 
ploy a large innnber of men. 

The principal manufactures are cotton and woolen goods, 
carpets, paper, leather, shoes, railroad cars and other vehicles. 

In both counties the towns adjacent to Boston are esisecially 
pojiulous, being properly but suburbs of that city. 

Lowell, the most populous city of Middlesex, is the most 
celebrated manufacturing city in America and one of the 
lai'gest. 

Cambridge is the seat of Harvard University and is famous 
for its cultivated so- 
ciety and fine resi- 
dences. This city and 
SoMEEViLLE are close- 
ly identified with Bos- 
ston in business in- 
terests. 

Newton is the seat 
of a Theological Se- 
minary. Waltham is 
noted for its manu- 
facture of watches. 
Lexington and Con- 
cord were the scene 
of the first hostilitie> 
of the revolution. 
The latter has been 
the home of a num- 
ber of men eminent 
in literature, among 
whom are Emerson, 
Hawthorne, and 
Thorean. 

Quincy, in Norfolk, is famous for its granite. This place is 
the home of the Adams family, which has produced two Presi- 
dents of the United States. Dedham is the county-seat. 



Bristol anfl Plyiiioiitli. 

These counties lie principally in the south-eastern projection 
of the State. Plymouth lies in the more barren portion of the 
Atlantic plain, but Bristol has, in the main, a productive soil. 

Excellent harbors are found in both counties, and the coasting 
trade and fisheries occupy a large part of the sea-board popula- 
tion. Manufacturing — especially of cotton goods, boots and 
shoes, iron wares and machinery — is largely carried on in the 
inland towns. 




WASniNUTUN' lil.M, CA.MI'.mi 



Fall Hivek is one of the principal seats of cotton manufac- 
turing in New Enirland. New Bedford is the greatest whalinar 
port in the country, though this business is nuich less extensive 
than formerly. 

Taunton is celebrated for its extensive locomotive works. 
Attleboro mannfactui-es large quantities of jewelry. 

Bridgewater is the seat of a State Normal School. Abington 
and Middleboro are largely engaged in the shoe manufacture. 
Mai'shficld was the home of Daniel "Webster. At Plymouth 
the first permanent settlement in New England was made bj- 
the " Pilgi'ims." 

Barnstable, Dukes, and IVantueket. 

These three counties occupy the peninsula of Cape Cod and 
the islands at the south and south-west of it. They are dis- 
tinguished by the sterility of their soil and the extent to which 
their people are occupied with seafaring pursuits. They con- 
tain few places of 
importance. 

Sandwich has the 
largest and most suc- 
cessful glass works 
of the country. Pro- 
vincetown, on Cape 
Cod, is an inqiortant 
fishing port. 

Nan tucket wasonce 
celebrated for its 
whale fisheries, but 
the harbor is now 
almost destitute of 
shi]iping. 

Martha's Vineyard 
is chiefiy known as a 
sunnner resort. 

W^orcester. 

This is the largest 
county of Massachu- 
setts, and ranks fourth in population and wealth. It occupies 
the larger part of the Middle Highlands, and the western 
margin of the Atlantic ])lain, including some of the richest 
and most highly cultivated agricultural regions of the State. 
The principal source of wealth is in the manufactures, which 
ai'e extensive and exceedingly varied. 

Worcester, often called the " heai-t of the commonwealth," 
is an enterprising and beautiful city. It is a prominent railroad 
centre, has a large country trade, and carries on a great \ariety 
of manufactures, among which are iron and steel wii-e, agricul- 
tural implements and iron castings ; machinery for cotton, paper, 
and woolen mills ; clothing and fire-arms. 

The College of the Holy Cross is located here, also a Polytech- 
nic School, a State Normal School, and the Worcester Academy. 



GEOGRAPHY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



115 



FiTciinniG is liandsoniely located and growing rapidly. It 
is largely engaged in manufacturing, especially chairs, cotton 
goods, and paper. 

Clinton manufactures large quantities of cotton and woolen 
goods and carpets. Athol, Blackstone, and several other towns 
also manufacture cottons and Avoolens. Gardner makes chairs 
and settees ; Winclienden, hollow wooden wares ; and Milford 
and North Brookfield, boots and shoes. At Westboro is the 
State Reform School for boys. 

Franklin, Ilainiti^hirc, and Hampden. 

These counties stretch across the Connecticut Valley, and 
include about one-third oi the Middle Highlands and nearly 
one half of the AVestern. 

They embrace an area a little larger than Worcester county ; 
but their aggregate wealth and population is one-third less. 
Agriculture is the leading pursuit of the people, and toljacco 
is an important crop in the Connecticut Valley. Mills and 
manufactories are frequent on the smaller streams ; and since 
the magnificent water-power of the Connecticut, at Turners 
and South Iladley Falls, has been made available, the best 
facilities in the country for manufacturing purposes are here 
furnished. 

Springfield, the largest city in the State west of Worcester, 
is an important railroad centre. It has a considerable country 
trade, and is the seat of extensive manufactories and of a United 
States Arsenal. 

IIoLYOKE, at South Iladley Falls, has been built up within 
the past twenty-five years. It has almost unlimited water- 
power, which is employed in manufacturing, especially cottons, 
woolens, and paper. Chicopee, besides cotton and woolen-mills, 
has a noted brass foundry. At Westfield is a State Normal 
School. Wesleyan Acadeniy' is located at Wilbraham. 

East Hampton is the seal of Williston Seminar}', and South 
Iladley of Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. Northampton is 
celebrated as one of the most beautiful towns in the country. 



It contains an asylum for the insane, and is the seat of Smith 
College for women. Amherst College and the State Agricul- 
tural College are located at Andierst. 

Deerfield and Greenfield are rich farming towns, with some 
manufactures. Turner's Falls, though of recent growth, is the 
most inqjortant manufacturing town in Franklin county. The 
various works already located here, the immense water-power 
still unemployed, and the excellent facilities for transportation, 
give promise that it will become one of the great manufactur- 
ing centres of the State. 

Bei*k!!ihia*e. 

This county comprises the extreme western portion of the 
State, including the Iloosac and Taconic mountain regions and 
the valleys between them. Quai-iies of white marble and soaji- 
stonc are among the mineral resources of the county. 

The elevated regions are, in winter, bleak and snowy, but in 
sunnuer the air is cool and salubrious. Hence they form at- 
tractive summer resorts. The chief pursuit of the people in 
these districts is farming, especially dairying and stock-raising. 

The valley towns have a milder climate and are adapted to 
the various branches of agriculture. Many of them are largely 
engaged in manufacturing and are cpiite populous. 

PiTTSFiELD, the most populous town in the county, car- 
I'ies on a vai'iety of manufactures. It is the seat of Berk- 
shire Medical College, and of a flourishing seminary for young 
ladies. 

North Adams is an enterprising village with extensive manu- 
factories of cotton and woolen fabrics. Near this place is the 
western entrance to the Hoosac tunnel, which pierces the Iloo- 
sac mountain, a distance of nearly four miles. 

Williamstown, the seat of Williams College, is the centre 
of a thriving farming region. Lenox has valuable quarries of 
white marl)le. These two towns are noted for their picturesque 
beauty and healthfulness, and attract considerable numbers of 
summer residents. 




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